Banksia House

It has been a productive and engaging beginning to the school year of 2025, and I hope that all students, their families and staff had an enjoyable and restorative break.

Our Year 7 Banksia group begin their transition from Primary School to Dandenong High School and are settling well as they adjust to a new environment, and in forming relationships with their peers and teachers. The Year 7 cohort began with a Welcome Week which emphasised in them getting to know one another, the school and their teachers better. In this week, the Banksia 7 group spent a period with Banksia 12 students to hear their advice about navigating through high school, and to address and alleviate the Year 7s may have. In this session, students were also asked to consider their own character strengths and to discuss these with, and form connections with, the ‘big kids’.

Following on from this, on Friday 7th February, the Year 7 cohort travelled to Lysterfield Lake Park to spend the day forming friendships and connections with each other and their teachers through fun games and activities. Further opportunities beyond the classroom exist in the Year 7 Welcome Picnic on Wednesday 26th February from 4:30-6:00pm and the Year 7 Camp that takes place in the first week of Term 2.

Our Year 12 students have hit the ground running and are starting their final year of school with gusto and determination to make this final year a success. May I take this opportunity to wish the Year 12 cohort every success this year. The Year 12 students attended the Melbourne Cable Park, which I had the privilege to attend. The students had a great time across the Aqua Fun Park and the High Ropes course, and the students took on the challenges and had a great day.

I want to acknowledge the Student Leaders of Banksia House, with Dunsin A being appointed as one of the SRC Presidents and Muheyra N and Didar N as Banksia House Captains. I am certain these students will make the most of the opportunities these roles afford them, and they will make great contributions both to the school and to Banksia House. As I write this, Banksia House is working towards finalising SRC nominations across Years 7-12 with many nominations being received. I look forward to working with these students along with Muheyra and Didar in supporting the Banksia House community across a range of events and in fundraising for the House charity. 

With so much taking place this year both in Banksia House and at Dandenong High School, it is a great time to thrive in our learning and we look forward to working with all members of the Banksia community and in celebrating the successes that are taking place and are yet to unfold.

Andrew Elkington

Banksia Assistant House Leader

Meet the Banksia House Leadership Team!